<p>My top two schools are Wake Forest University and Tulane University. And I believe I have a fighting chance at gaining acceptance at both. However, I think this chance may only be through an early application.
Wake's ED acceptance rate is 50%, Verses their 40% normal admissions rate.
Tulane's SCEA acceptance rate is 66%. Verses their 23% normal admissions rate.</p>
<p>I love both of these schools and would love to attend either. But I know I can't apply early to both even though Tulane isn't binding. My dad is more inclined towards me early applying to Wake where as I'm leaning towards Tulane. </p>
<p>What should I do? Is there anyway I could apply to both early? If not what are my alternatives?</p>
<p>You cannot apply to both early. If you are not sure, just apply RD. You may be strong enough to get into both - then you can put off your decision until the spring. (Have you visited the schools? I wouldn’t apply early without a visit.)</p>
<p>Early admissions, if I remember correctly, is applying to one top college choice.
This is a very personal choice to make, and depends pretty much entirely to you.
What is important though, (this may sound cliche) is follow your heart.
If you truly think that Tulane’s majors and programs are more interesting, went on campus tours and enjoy Tulane more, and find that Tulane matches you better (Keyword: MATCH you, something you think matches you and you can dedicate yourself too) then choose Tulane.
But then again, (I’m going to contradict myself) don’t follow your heart too much. Be realistic too.
Think for a second why your father wants you to apply to Wake. Though it’s sad to say, parents do have more experience and your father’s idea may be based on good logic. Why does he lean towards Wake? Is it finance? Or because he has connections to Wake? Or is it because he truly thinks Wake will match you more? I recommend a discussion with your father.</p>
<p>I guess what I want to say is:
) Follow your heart, but be realistic
) If money is an issue, don’t let it be. If you choose a school based on money, it may become a regret later. (Of course, since you love both schools, this may not be too much of an issue)
) Think carefully about what field you would like to leans towards, and look at the majors/minors each college offers. Which matches what you are intersted in more?
) Choose what you think matches YOU better based on campus, classes, students, population, even dorms! After all, YOU are the person to attend the college, no? ;)</p>
<p>Good luck choosing, and best of luck in admissions!</p>
<p>You can’t apply early to both. You should pick the one that you would rather attend even if you’d be happy at either. If you can’t decide which one you’d prefer then don’t apply ED! Apply SCEA because then you’ll have better chances but not be obligated. If you’re positive there’s no school you’d rather attend then you could apply to Wake, but only if you’re positive.</p>
<p>I would pick Tulane. Their SCEA gives a >40% advantage compared to RD, and then you can apply to Wake Forest RD. Wake Forest only has a 10% higher ED acceptance rate, and if you get in, Tulane (and all other schools) will be totally off the table.</p>
<p>Thank you for the replies. Luckily I have a couple more months to do a little soul search to figure which I like better. I honestly believe that Tulane is a better school for me. I love New Orleans and have always felt at home there. The diversity at Tulane also appeals to me. My dad, I believe, leans towards Wake because of it’s prestige and ranking. But I’m sure we’ll have a few more conversations about it in the coming months to figure out what’s best. Thanl you again!</p>
<p>This is just plain terrible advice. These boards–and this country–are filled with a lot more stories of regret from people who chose not to let money be an issue. Both of these are good universities. Neither of them is worth taking on crippling educational debt, and neither of them will make you happy if you blow through all your accumulated savings in two semesters and then have to leave for financial reasons.</p>
<p>Even if you can pay sticker price, you should take money into consideration. You might decide for valid reasons that you’d rather pay full price at University A than pay reduced tuition at University B, but you’d be a fool to make that decisions without thinking about the ramifications of doing so.</p>